Hereditary bone dysplasia with hyperphosphatasaemia: response to synthetic human calcitonin.

Four cases of familial bone dysplasia with hyperphosphatasaemia were treated with synthetic human calcitonin. Prior to therapy, all four cases were characterized by marked bone deformity, pain, tenderness and elevated levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyproline. Treatment with calcitonin produced in each case a striking clinical, biochemical and radiographic remission. Pain and tenderness was greatly diminished and urinary hydroxyproline and serum alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly decreased. Radiographic regression of the bony abnormalities was apparent as early as 4 1/2 months after the start of treatment. Prior to therapy bones exhibit no real organization. After calcitonin treatment, the radiographic appearance of a normal cortex and medullary cavity was clearly evident for the first time.